As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice and an overall dynamic development characterise its research profile in the core topics of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability and state. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.
The University is looking for a responsible, motivated and committed person for the School of Sustainability, Institute of Sustainability Governance, Research Group Governance and Sustainability (Prof. Newig), starting as soon as possible:
Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the field of Governance of Sustainability Transformations (salary group EG 13 TV-L, 75%, for a duration of 36 months).
Humanity is faced with unprecedented challenges to combat climate change, biodiversity loss and other rising issues of (global) unsustainability. State-based policies and institutions as well as mechanisms of participatory and collaborative governance play important roles in driving societal and socio-technical transformations towards sustainability.
Conceptual and empirical research is required to better understand – and provide rigorous evidence – on questions such as: What types of policies and regulatory mechanisms are most effective in promoting fundamental transformation to sustainability in various sectors (e.g., energy, agriculture, transportation)? What governance frameworks are most effective in facilitating sustainable transformations at local, national, and global levels? What role do social innovation and grassroots initiatives play in driving sustainability transformations? How can technological innovations be governed to ensure they contribute to sustainability goals? What lessons can be learned from successful and unsuccessful cases of governing sustainability transformations? How do different countries and regions approach sustainability governance, and what can be learned from comparative analysis?
What role do cultural, historical, and contextual factors play in explaining the success of sustainability transformations? What is the role of crisis and external shocks to open windows of opportunity for fundamental policy change towards sustainability?
Your tasks:
- Rigorous conceptual and comparative empirical research (qualitative and/or quantitative) on governance institutions and processes (as outlined above)
- Preparation of academic publications, also in collaboration with other members of the research group;
- Research-oriented presentations at academic conferences;
- Teaching of one or two courses per semester (3 SWS = 63 teaching hours per year).
- The successful candidate will be expected to pursue a PhD at Leuphana University Lüneburg.
Your profile:
The successful candidate should have an excellent Master degree in the social sciences (e.g. political science, public administration or a related interdisciplinary field such as environmental
governance).
Desired personal attributes include:
- A committed personality, able to work independently and in a team, and an excellent communicator;
- Research experience with environmental and/or sustainability governance and/or policy in global, national and/or multi-level governance systems;
- Experience with research design and qualitative and/or quantitative research methods;
- Very good English language communication skills (written and oral).
Our offer:
- A vibrant interdisciplinary research environment in one of the most active research groups on sustainability governance (https://sustainability-governance.net), with excellent contacts both within the Institute and to international research groups;
- A workplace at one of the most beautiful university locations in Germany in a true campus university with an internationally acclaimed central building by Daniel Libeskind and the directly
adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve; - A high level of job security as part of the public service;
- An additional company pension scheme through the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder;
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flexitime framework from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.;
- Flexible and family-friendly opportunities to alternate between presence work and mobile work;
- An extensive internal and external continuing education programme;
- A wide range of sporting activities sponsored by the university, which employees can take part in for one hour per week during working hours to promote their health;
- A university-sponsored catering service for lunch and dinner in the refectory;
- A “Germany ticket” sponsored by the university as a job ticket.
Your application:
For questions about the position, please contact: Prof. Jens Newig (jens.newig@leuphana.de).
Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes professional gender equality and heterogeneity among its members. Applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications. Please also note our data protection information for applicants.
Applicants should submit a cover letter (including evidence on the above-mentioned desired personal attributes with around 100 words each), their CV; up to three writing samples (e.g. academic
publications, term paper, Master thesis, etc.); a short exposé of ideas for the proposed research(around 500 words); relevant certificates and transcripts (incl. Abitur / high school); and the names
of up to two academic referees by 31 October 2024 digitally (summarized in one single PDF file) or by post to:
Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
Human Resources and Legal Affairs / Application Management
Reference: Governance-Transformation
Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
jobs@leuphana.de
cc jens.newig@leuphana.de